The Keys for
Kids® curriculum is designed specifically to take advantage of
children’s remarkable ability to develop real musical skills at an early age
– and have lots of fun in the process. Students can begin at any age from 3½ to 11 and follow a sequence of courses
appropriate to their age and abilities (see diagram below). There is always
a good place to start, regardless of age or past experience with beginning
music instruction.
Age-appropriate activities and musical exercises are selected to impart a
well-defined progression of musical concepts and skills. The specific
sequence of musical oncepts has been carefully chosen to complement the
capabilities and attention span of children of different ages.
Well-organized lesson plans are outlined in workbooks for every course.
The process is a fun, interactive, social, encouraging learning experience
that creates a musical bond between parents and children. The results—for
parents and children alike—include a real appreciation and understanding of
music, and the ability to play music.
While the piano (or electronic keyboard) is the instrument used for
instruction, children develop a wide range of musical skills and knowledge
that will be useful for any other instrument they may later choose.
Music is
mental, physical and emotional, and Keys for Kids® helps children
develop all three aspects while having fun and building self-confidence.
With the
Keys for Kids® methodology, students can start at any of three
sequential age-appropriate levels:
Teeny Keys© I, II, III (3 - to 4 -year-old beginners -45 minutes weekly)
A dynamic one year course with fun and age-appropriate ear and rhythm training activities, movement, solfege singing, keyboard playing, and
even reading music. The elements of music are presented in a colorful,
interactive, unforgettable way. Child and parent bond as a music team both
in class and at home. Enjoyment and encouragement are emphasized as children develop a firm
musical foundation. Workbooks offer weekly exercises for home and class.
Mini Keys© I, II, III (4 - to 5 -year-old beginners -45 minutes weekly)
A dynamic first music experience with age-appropriate introduction to ear
training, rhythm training, movement, solfege singing, keyboard playing, and
reading music. The elements of music are presented in a colorful,
interactive, unforgettable way. Child and parent bond as a music team both
in class and at home. Enjoyment and encouragement are emphasized as children develop a firm
musical foundation. Workbooks offer weekly exercises for home and class.
Kinder
Keys
© I, II, III (6 - to 7 -year-old beginners - 45 minutes weekly)
A
comprehensive beginner’s course incorporating all of the Mini Keys® activities (modified for the more advanced abilities of this age group),
plus age-appropriate creative and ensemble activities. A wide variety of
games and exercises inspire enthusiasm and confidence, and reinforce musical
concepts. Child and parent work as a music team in class and at home.
Workbooks offer weekly exercises for home and class.
Super
Keys
© I
,
II, III, IV, V (8- to
11-year-old beginners - 45 minutes weekly)
A fast-paced, comprehensive beginner’s course incorporating all of the Kinder
Keys® activities (modified for the more advanced abilities of
this age group), plus more advanced music theory and exercises that take
advantage of this group’s greater ability to analyze patterns (melodies,
harmonies, rhythm, etc.) and memorize. New musical elements are reinforced
through a variety of individual and ensemble keyboard activities. Students
transpose, compose, perform solos, and develop ensemble technique by being
part of a keyboard orchestra. Parent participation is strongly encouraged.
Workbooks offer weekly exercises for home and class.
